Resources

Student Profile: Kristen Beat

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

My name is Kristen Beat. I was born and raised in Southern California with a love for sports and a passion for communications. I am currently a junior, majoring in communications with a minor in law and ethics. I have had the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the action sports industry as a journalist and scholar.

In high school I was able to start working as a field journalist with an online action sports site. I could be seen roaming around X-Games with a mediocre camera, and handheld recorder. I wrote my own stories, took my own photos and conducted my own interviews. At USD I was able to take career opportunities and capitalize on them through substantiating my experience with scholarly knowledge. I have taken advanced courses in sports and media, broadcasting, media writing, business law, public relations, media and conflict, and negotiations. All of these courses have prepared me for the demands of my growing career. When I was blessed with open doors and opportunities, I felt confident in my education and foundation.

Some of my professional accomplishments include: being the youngest credentialed X-Games reporter; hired as an on-air broadcaster for Fuel TV; reporter for GrindTV/Wasserman Media Group and Motocross.com; a credentialed AMA Supercross, AMA Motocross and NASCAR journalist; Freestyle Motocross show MC and host; Miss City of San Diego 2011; and broadcast correspondent for Vurbmoto.com.

As a woman I have faced many obstacles, especially within the male-dominated sports industry. I've had to overcome gender biases and use my education as a tool to implement change within the sports industry. Professors such as Lew, del Río, Pace and Sullivan have taught me to see obstacles as opportunities. By taking rigorous courses, I have pushed myself to demand legitimate recognition as a broadcaster despite my age and gender. As a young journalist I see an open door to change the media discourse of action sports coverage. I want to change the perception of action sports and bring credibility to what I see as a growing marketable industry, as well as serious arena of athletic competition.

I still have a long way to go and am constantly growing and learning more every day. In the future I hope to attend law school while continuing my broadcast career. Someday I hope to also become an athlete manager or public relations agent. I want to see the action sports community grow. I also want to continue to push and eventually shatter the glass ceiling for women in sports broadcasting.

A major part of that is being able to positively network oneself on platforms such as Facebook (www.facebook.com/Kristen.beat), Twitter (@Kristen_beat) and Flickr (www.flickr.com/kristenbeat). Technology is a huge advantage to our generation. It is an opportunity for us to truly promote change.

What I pride myself most upon, is my commitment towards giving back. In the past year I have completed over 350 hours of community service. Along the way I have had the privilege to speak with young women about pursuing higher education and attaining their personal goals while maintaining good ethics and strong moral character. This is what it's all about: finding what you love, and making a positive change in the world.